Locking assembly for a switch assembly

Abstract

A hookstick operated switch assembly includes a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions. An operating lever is connected to the switch for opening and closing the switch. A locking arm is positioned proximal the switch. A locking member is receivable by the locking arm when the switch is in the open position to prevent movement of the operating lever, thereby locking the switch in the open position.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A hookstick operated switch assembly, comprising: 
       a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions;  
       an operating lever connected to said switch for opening and closing said switch;  
       a locking arm positioned proximal said operating lever; and  
       a locking member receivable by said locking arm when said switch is in said open position to prevent movement of said operating lever and thereby locking said switch in said open position.  
     
     
       2. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a horizontally mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       3. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a vertically mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       4. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a delta mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       5. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a phase-over-phase mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       6. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said locking arm has a substantially U-shaped portion for receiving said locking member.  
     
     
       7. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said locking arm has an opening for receiving said locking member.  
     
     
       8. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said locking member is a hook.  
     
     
       9. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said locking device is brightly colored for easy visibility.  
     
     
       10. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said locking device is differently colored than said hookstick operated switch assembly to make said locking device easily visible.  
     
     
       11. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
       said locking device is attached to said switch with an elongated flexible member.  
     
     
       12. A hookstick operated switch assembly, comprising: 
       a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions;  
       an operating lever connected to said switch for opening and closing said switch;  
       a locking arm having a substantially U-shaped portion attached to said support; and  
       a locking member receivable by said substantially U-shaped portion of said locking arm when said switch is in said open position to prevent movement of said operating lever and thereby locking said switch in said open position.  
     
     
       13. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a horizontally mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       14. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a delta mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       15. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein 
       said locking member is brightly colored for easy visibility.  
     
     
       16. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein 
       said locking member is differently colored than said hookstick operated switch assembly to make said locking device easily visible.  
     
     
       17. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein 
       said locking member is attached to said switch with an elongated flexible member.  
     
     
       18. A hookstick operated switch assembly, comprising: 
       a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions;  
       an operating lever for opening and closing said switch;  
       a locking arm having an opening attached to said operating lever; and  
       a locking member receivable by said opening in said locking arm when said switch is in said open position to prevent movement of said operating lever and thereby locking said switch in said open position.  
     
     
       19. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a vertically mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       20. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein 
       said locking member is a hook.  
     
     
       21. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein 
       said locking member is brightly colored for easy visibility.  
     
     
       22. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein 
       said locking member is differently colored than said hookstick operated switch assembly to make said locking device easily visible.  
     
     
       23. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein 
       said locking member is attached to said switch with an elongated flexible member.  
     
     
       24. A hookstick operated switch assembly, comprising: 
       a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions;  
       an operating lever for opening and closing said switch;  
       a locking arm having an opening attached to said operating lever, said locking arm being connected at a first end to said operating lever and at a second end to said switch; and  
       a locking member receivable by said opening in said locking arm when said switch is in said open position to prevent movement of said operating lever and thereby locking said switch in said open position.  
     
     
       25. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 24 , wherein 
       said switch assembly is a phase-over-phase mounted switch assembly.  
     
     
       26. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 24 , wherein 
       said locking member is a hook.  
     
     
       27. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 24 , wherein 
       said locking member is brightly colored for easy visibility.  
     
     
       28. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 24 , wherein 
       said locking member is differently colored than said hookstick operated switch assembly to make said locking member easily visible.  
     
     
       29. A hookstick operated switch assembly according to  claim 24 , wherein 
       said locking member is attached to said switch with an elongated flexible member.